Rita B. Eisenmenger

Rita B. Eisenmenger, 81, of Pesotum passed away peacefully on Saturday, January 24, 2026 at Bridle Brook in Mahomet.

Rita, known to friends and family as “Burnsey”, was born on June 16, 1944 in Bakersfield, California to Alfred and Rita (Burns) Wieher. She married Richard Eisenmenger on June 15, 1968 at St. Cajetan Catholic Church in Chicago.

She is survived by her children, Rich (Karen) Eisenmenger, Jim (Jennifer) Eisenmenger, Dana (Keith) Good, and Laura (Deepak Patel) Eisenmenger; nineteen grandchildren; and siblings, Alfred (Phyllis) Wieher, William (Barbara) Wieher, James (Donna) Wieher and Nancy Benson.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Alfred and Rita Wieher; husband, Richard Eisenmenger; and brother-in-law, Todd Benson.

Rita grew up on Chicago’s South Side and attended St. Cajetan Elementary School and Mother McAuley High School. She then attained a teaching degree from Chicago Teachers College and a master’s degree in English from SIU-C, which is where she met her husband. They lived in Chicago briefly before moving to Pesotum to raise their family. Rita was a dedicated mother and grandmother, who loved reading books and playing games with her children and grandchildren. In the workplace, she taught various elementary grades before settling in to a career as a high school English teacher for many years. Rita also loved nature, from tending her roses to enjoying daily walks in the country. However, her Chicago roots remained strong as a lifelong avid Cubs fan, which was passed down to her children. Rita’s life was defined and guided by her strong faith, demonstrated by serving in many roles at her church over the years. She lived a life of service to her family, church, and community. She will be missed.

A visitation will be held from 9:30 – 11:00am on Saturday, January 31, 2026 at St. Mary’s Catholic Church (Pesotum) with the funeral mass beginning at 11am.  Burial will follow at the St. Mary’s Cemetery.

Memorial donations may be made to Restoration Urban Ministries (1213 Parkland Ct, Champaign, IL 61821).

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